Understanding E. Coli Infections: Symptoms, Prevention, and Risks
Please ask your questions regarding Escherichia coli? Hello Dr. Hong: I apologize for taking up your time, but I would like to ask you some questions regarding Escherichia coli. 1. How long does it typically take for symptoms to appear after an Escherichia coli infection? 2. If...
Dr. Hong Hongchang reply Internal Medicine
1: After an Escherichia coli infection, the onset time is approximately 8 to 16 hours, but it may be delayed to 24-36 hours. The severity of the infection symptoms depends on a. the strain of Escherichia coli or the tolerance to the bacterial load. b. the host's own immunity...[Read More] Understanding E. Coli Infections: Symptoms, Prevention, and Risks
Frequent Awakening During Naps: Is It Related to Heart Health?
Waking up frequently during naptime... Could it be related to the heart?! Hello, Dr. Hong: Since my student days and now as a working professional, I have always taken naps in a seated position or by resting my head on the desk. However, I often wake up suddenly, startled. Frequ...
Dr. Hong Hongchang reply Internal Medicine
Generally speaking, if there are abnormalities in the heart, clinical manifestations often include chest pain, chest tightness, and swelling of the legs. These symptoms are not typically caused by sitting or sleeping positions that compress the heart. They may arise from poor sle...[Read More] Frequent Awakening During Naps: Is It Related to Heart Health?
Understanding Gastritis: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Insights
Gastritis Hello Doctor, I am Xiao Yu from September 22nd. I accidentally swallowed a pill of aluminum phosphate about a year ago. Recently, I have been experiencing stomach discomfort and visited a doctor who arranged for me to undergo tests for my stomach pain. The results showe...
Dr. Hong Hongchang reply Internal Medicine
If your gastroscopy report is within the last two months, you need to look for other causes. In principle, follow-up gastroscopy and abdominal X-ray examinations are necessary. Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for direct treatment to improve your condition.[Read More] Understanding Gastritis: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Insights
Struggling with Bloating and Constipation? Effective Solutions Inside!
Are you experiencing indigestion? I often experience bloating in my abdomen, and it takes a long time for me to have a bowel movement—about three to four days. Is there any way to resolve this? I am really trying hard to walk regularly!
Dr. Hong Hongchang reply Internal Medicine
Possible causes of abdominal bloating include insufficient fiber intake or slow gastrointestinal motility. In addition to increasing physical activity, it is advisable to consume more high-fiber foods such as papaya and bananas. If symptoms do not improve, a visit to a gastroente...[Read More] Struggling with Bloating and Constipation? Effective Solutions Inside!
Understanding Indigestion: Causes and Solutions for Post-Meal Discomfort
Dyspepsia!! After every meal, I do some light exercise, but I always experience belching that usually lasts for about two hours. I'm not sure if this is due to poor digestion or another condition. Could you please advise on how to address this issue? Thank you!
Dr. Hong Hongchang reply Internal Medicine
Hiccups are generally believed to be caused by stimulation of the phrenic nerve. Common causes include viral infections, overeating, gastrointestinal motility disorders, or structural abnormalities. Other factors, such as digestive tumors, may also contribute. It is generally adv...[Read More] Understanding Indigestion: Causes and Solutions for Post-Meal Discomfort
Accidental Ingestion of Medication Packaging: What to Do Next?
Ingestion of foreign substances? Hello doctor, I accidentally swallowed a hard plastic piece from the medication packaging that needs to be broken into sections to access the pills. I did this while my eyes were injured and I wasn't careful. What should I do? Do I need to se...
Dr. Hong Hongchang reply Internal Medicine
The plastic film from the packaging cannot be digested by gastric acid, which may lead to gastrointestinal mucosal abrasion, bleeding, or perforation. It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for removal to prevent serious complications.[Read More] Accidental Ingestion of Medication Packaging: What to Do Next?
Effective Treatments and Dietary Tips for Chronic Constipation
Chronic constipation Dear Doctor, My mother has habitual constipation, but previous colonoscopy results showed no issues. Could you please advise if there are treatments available for habitual constipation? What dietary considerations should we keep in mind? Thank you!
Dr. Hong Hongchang reply Internal Medicine
1. The main causes of habitual constipation include: 1. Abnormal intestinal motility. 2. Insufficient intake of fiber or water. 3. Medications such as antihypertensives that can also cause constipation. 4. Lack of physical activity. 2. Although previous colonoscopy results were...[Read More] Effective Treatments and Dietary Tips for Chronic Constipation
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Lower abdominal pain Hello Dr. Hong, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my lower abdomen over the past couple of days, along with bloating and diarrhea. However, I have not noticed any blood in my stool, so it shouldn't be a gastric ulcer or a duodenal ulcer, righ...
Dr. Hong Hongchang reply Internal Medicine
Regarding lower abdominal pain, several causes should be considered: 1. Whether there is gastroenteritis, such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or colorectal polyps. Additionally, the absence of blood in the stool does not rule out gastrointestinal bleeding, as occult b...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Pain Near the Upper Left Breast: Causes and Concerns
I have a sharp pain in the upper left area near my breast? Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing sharp pain in the upper left area near the inframammary fold. The pain comes and goes quickly. What could be the reason for this? Is it a warning sign or is it normal?
Dr. Hong Hongchang reply Internal Medicine
Based on the location of the pain you described, which is in the upper left abdomen near the rib cage, the most likely causes, ranked by probability, are as follows: 1. Intercostal nerve inflammation or muscle strain, which may be due to previous sports injuries, poor posture, or...[Read More] Understanding Pain Near the Upper Left Breast: Causes and Concerns